05 August 2004	Thursday	18 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

LAHORE, Aug 4: A $655,000 contract for the construction of FIFA's Goal Project was signed on Wednesday with a local company at Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) office.

"It was the most suitable bid among four final bidders and the decision was taken on merit," PFF secretary Arshad Lodhi said. The secretary said the original bid of the successful bidder was of $678,000, but it had been reduced after negotiations.

FIFA has allocated a financial grant of $400,000 for the project but later added $60,000 from the annual $250,000 Financial Assistant Programme (FAP) grant to PFF. The PFF official said the deficit of $195,000 would be covered by federation through its own resources.

"We have discussions with various individuals who are interested in promoting of the game and they have promises us to extend financial help." PFF secretary said the project, which was awarded to Pakistan in 2001 but delayed due to indifferent attitude of previous officials, was to be completed in December this year but now date of completion had been extended till March 30 next year.

Arshad said the contractor would face a penalty of $1000 per day if he failed to complete the project on deadline. He said Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Muhamed bin Hammam was likely to launch the project while FIFA president Sepp Blatter may inaugurate it after the completion.

The official said a FIFA's delegation would visit Pakistan to assess PFF's requirements for improving standard of coaching, refereeing and the players. "On the recommendations of the delegation, FIFA will announce another package for Pakistan during his visit."

FIFA official Mohsin Gillani said initial advance which would be 10 per cent of $400,000, would be released soon. He said Pakistan could be awarded the second project after assessment of the first one and added performance of first Goal for three months or more could be considered before awarding the second project.

Under the Goal, offices for the 11 directors of the PFF, a conference hall, a hostel to accommodate 98 students, class rooms, VVIP accommodation for coaches, foreign delegates and a gymnasium will be built. The Goal will be built on a land spreading over 11 kanals.